http://cf.valleywater.org/Water/Where_Your_Water_Comes_From/Water%20Supply%20and%20Infrastructure%20Planning/Climate%20Change/portal.cfm New reports and technical literature on climate change and water resources. Wed, 16 May 2012 06:58:00 GMT http://www.columbia.edu/~jeh1/mailings/2011/20111110_NewClimateDice.pdf Attributes specific extreme weather events to climate change. (Hansen, J., et al., 2011) Published: November 10, 2011 Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000 http://www.agu.org/pubs/crossref/2012/2012GL051230.shtml "Key points: Future projection of the contribution of groundwater depletion to sea-level rise, the contribution of GW depletion outweighs the negative contribution by dams, GW depletion will be a dominant contribution to SLR from land in coming decades." (Wada, Y., et al., 2012, Geophysical Research Letters) Published: May 8, 2012 Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000 http://www.nature.com/nclimate/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nclimate1486.html "Our results, describing the responses of four ecosystems to nearly a decade of simulated climate change, indicate that short-term experiments are insufficient to capture the temporal variability and trend of ecosystem responses to environmental change and their modulation through biogeochemical and ecological feedbacks." (Wu, Z., et al., 2012, Nature Climate Change) <strong>Note: This link may not open in Internet Explorer.</strong> Published: April 8, 2012 Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000 http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1525/bio.2012.62.4.10?journalCode=bisi "Analyses of long-term records at 35 headwater basins in the United States and Canada indicate that climate change effects on streamflow are not as clear as might be expected, perhaps because of ecosystem processes and human influences. Evapotranspiration was higher than was predicted by temperature in water-surplus ecosystems and lower than was predicted in water-deficit ecosystems. Streamflow was correlated with climate variability indices (e.g., the El Ni&ntilde;o-Southern Oscillation, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, the North Atlantic Oscillation), especially in seasons when vegetation influences are limited. Air temperature increased significantly at 17 of the 19 sites with 20- to 60-year records, but streamflow trends were directly related to climate trends (through changes in ice and snow) at only 7 sites. Past and present human and natural disturbance, vegetation succession, and human water use can mimic, exacerbate, counteract, or mask the effects of climate change on streamflow, even in reference basins." (Jones, Julia, et al., 2012, BioScience) Published: April 1, 2012 Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000 http://pubs.giss.nasa.gov/abs/pu06000k.html "Changes in climate are expected to have a substantial impact on water resources. Consequently, numerous hydrologists have studied the widely recognized challenge of using climate-change projections to address questions related to management of future water resources. Significant effort has been invested in formulating methods to overcome the difference in spatial scales between available future climate scenarios and water management needs. While numerous downscaling options exist, resource evaluation for the various approaches is rarely discussed -- most assessments are focused on evaluating the skill of different methodologies. In this study, a framework is described that water managers can use 1) to identify their climate-scenario needs and 2) to assess their financial, computing, time, and workforce resource limitations for climate-scenario development. This framework will enable water-resource managers to optimize the use of their available resources when developing future climate scenarios." (Puma, M. J., 2012, Journal of Contemporary Water Research and Education) Published: April 3, 2012 Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000 http://www.estuaries.org/images/stories/RAE_Restore-Adapt-Mitigate_Climate-Chg-Report.pdf "The purpose of this report is to educate habitat restoration professionals, policy makers, and the public on the impacts climate change will have on coastal habitats and the possible role habitat restoration could play in mitigating those impacts. This is the first report that clearly demonstrates the opportunity to link the interconnectedness between coastal habitat restoration and adaptation and mitigation strategies related to reducing climate change impacts. They are not exclusive of each other, and if designed and managed correctly, can share mutual benefits." (Restore America's Estuaries, 2012) Published: April 19, 2012 Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000 http://californiaccresearch.org/ "The database comprises a catalogue of climate change research projects and programs taking place in California, particularly projects or programs receiving federal funding. A wide range of projects is included, including research on: Air quality/atmospheric chemistry ; Alternative energy sources, including biofuel, solar and wind power; Energy efficiency; Climate change over time (including paleoclimate research); The impact of climate change on the ecosystem and biodiversity." (California Air Resources Board) Published: Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000 http://nbwatershed.org/uploads/projects/NBWA_Climate_SOS_Guide_Dec_2010.pdf "The North Bay Watershed Association (NBWA) commissioned this guide to assess and summarize potential climate change impacts to the hydrology of basins draining to the North San Pablo Bay portion of the San Francisco Bay Estuary based on 'the state of the science.' Results include estimates of climate and hydrology parameters down to the watershed scale (completed as part of this study) combined with a summary of the potential extent of sea level rise anticipated over the next century (completed in an earlier study by US Geological Survey for the Bay Conservation and Development Commission). Relevant technical journal articles cited here provide details on methodologies and results. The purpose of this guide for managers is to summarize research results and implications for water supply, flood control, water quality, and habitat management projects and long-term adaptation strategies." (Dec. 2010) Published: December 1, 2010 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000 http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/sltrends/ Data on sea level for coastal locations. (United States. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Published: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000 https://infrastructure.sfwater.org/fds/fds.aspx?lib=SFPUC&doc=773621&data=297844085 "The goal of the study was simply to assess the sensitivity of reservoir inflows to a range of changes in two variables, temperature and precipitation. For that reason, a physically-based conceptual hydrology simulation model was calibrated against past conditions and used to assess potential changes in the timing and volume of runoff that may occur for the years 2040, 2070 and 2100 as compared to the conditions in 2010. A review of the literature and consultation with climate science experts allowed selection of climate scenarios that encompassed a range of temperature and precipitation changes that may be experienced through 2100 so that potential changes in watershed runoff could be simulated and analyzed." (San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Jan. 2012) Published: January 1, 2012 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000 http://www.scwa.ca.gov/water-supply-strategy/ Includes a climate change component. (Dec. 2011) Published: December 1, 2011 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000 http://www.nrdc.org/water/readiness/water-readiness-report.asp "Across the United States, climate change is affecting water resources in many ways, including putting water supplies at risk, increasing flooding and erosion, and threatening fish and aquatic species. As global warming pollution continues to affect our environment, these risks to water resources will only increase, posing grave challenges to our nation's cities, towns, and neighborhoods. Some states are leading the way in preparing for water-related impacts with integrated and comprehensive preparedness plans that address all relevant water sectors and state agencies. Unfortunately, other states are lagging when it comes to consideration of potential climate change impacts -- or have yet to formally address climate change preparedness at all." (Natural Resources Defense Council) Published: April 5, 2012 Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000 http://ppg.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/03/29/0309133312438908.abstract "This paper reviews steps being taken by actors at international, national, regional and community levels to adapt to flood risk from tidal, fluvial, surface and groundwater sources. We refer to existing inventories, national and sectoral adaptation plans, flood inquiries, building and planning codes, city plans, research literature and international policy reviews. We distinguish between the enabling environment for adaptation and specific implementing measures to manage flood risk. Enabling includes routine monitoring, flood forecasting, data exchange, institutional reform, bridging organizations, contingency planning for disasters, insurance and legal incentives to reduce vulnerability. All such activities are ?low regret? in that they yield benefits regardless of the climate scenario but are not cost-free. Implementing includes climate safety factors for new build, upgrading resistance and resilience of existing infrastructure, modifying operating rules, development control, flood forecasting, temporary and permanent retreat from hazardous areas, periodic review and adaptive management." (Wilby, R. L. and R. Keenan, 2012, Progress in Physical Geography) Published: March 29, 2012 Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000 http://www.water.ca.gov/climatechange/cctag.cfm Includes summaries of DWR models and scenarios for climate change. (California. Dept. of Water Resources) Published: March 30, 2012 Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000 http://www.nrdc.org/water/readiness/ "As climate change affects communities across the U.S., some states are leading the way in preparing for the impacts on water resources. These states are reducing carbon pollution and planning for climate change impacts. Yet many states are not acting and remain woefully unprepared. Click on a state to find out what risks communities there may face and what the state is doing to prepare." (Apr. 2012) (Natural Resources Defense Council) Published: April 5, 2012 Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000